2 Corinthians 10:4: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”

• Pray into and against the massive drug trade and gang violence that accompanies it. Drug trafficking is big business in Mexico - thanks to both the USA's insatiable habit (and to a lesser degree, Europe's) and Mexico's own growing troubles. This illicit trade fuels and enables other structures of sin - the cartels have expanded their activities to human trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and even avocados and limes.

 The 500,000-plus addicts, whose number has grown rapidly due to increasing availability of cheap drugs. Mexico is poorly positioned to cope with the number of addicts in terms of prevention, treatment and ministry to those afflicted.

 The wealthy, powerful cartels that control it are ruthless. Most of their violence is directed toward each other, but police, armed forces, journalists and helpless citizens also die at their hands. Pray for a way to reach out to the cartel leaders and members.

 The government and police face great difficulties in combating the drug trade and those who run it. Informers and corruption undermine the effort, and fear of the heavily armed gangs prevents decisive action. Pray for courage and wisdom in dealing with these great challenges.

• Mexico faces social and economic challenges. The government sees the difficulty of traditional solutions and now invites Christians and churches to help meet human needs. 60% of Mexicans struggle with poverty, both rural poor and slum-dwellers. Native Amerindians face greater poverty, less education, and more political unrest. Evangelical ministry among them has a good response, but also opposition. Pray that Mexicans, both indigenous and mestizo, might find their identity and purpose in the love of Christ and the purposes of God.

• Foreign missionaries' roles have changed significantly. Their presence is still needed in facilitating Bible translations, mobilizing Mexicans for mission, children and youth work, theological education and leadership development. The majority are US citizens, so they need sensitivity and tact in their cultural adaptation in order to overcome perceptions arising from their origin and wealth. Pray that their ministries may assist the Church to be what God desires.